Dentistry is a health care profession focused on maintaining oral health. It includes the prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases of teeth and their supporting structures and the correction of malformed jaws and teeth.

Dentistry is a dynamic field that offers many professional opportunities. A career in dentistry requires substantial education and training.

Oral Hygiene

The mouth is full of germs, and although they are mostly harmless, they can spread and cause problems in other parts of the body. Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing, help keep the mouth and teeth clean.

Visiting the dentist regularly for dental X-rays, examinations and cleanings can help prevent dental disease and tooth loss. Regular dental visits can also detect and treat oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease and bad breath (halitosis).

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or an interdental toothbrush and using mouthwash or rinsing aids as directed can all help to maintain a healthy mouth. A balanced diet and avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco products are other important factors in maintaining good oral health. A routine visit to the dentist can help you develop a proper dental care plan to meet your specific needs. You should schedule a check-up and cleaning every 6 months to ensure your teeth stay as healthy as possible.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a serious dental problem caused by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria live in dental plaque and cause tooth decay, a hole in the hard tooth structure called enamel and its underlying dentin.

Tooth decay can progress from small areas of sensitivity and white or brown spots on the teeth to a cavity (hole) that needs to be treated with a filling. Early decay is usually reversible, and regular visits to the dentist every 6 to 12 months can help prevent cavities from becoming a bigger problem.

It is important to understand that a missing tooth can also cause problems with decay because the remaining teeth can shift, and this can lead to bite issues that are difficult to treat. It is also important to be aware that patients who wear full dentures or have all natural teeth replaced with dental implants cannot get tooth decay, because they do not have the roots of their teeth.

Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky coating containing bacteria, builds up on teeth and along the gum line. This causes an immune reaction that irritates the tissue, resulting in redness and swelling of the gums. If not treated, gum disease progresses to more serious stages that damage the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. This can lead to tooth and bone loss, which increases the risk of infection.

If left untreated, gum disease can infect the root of a tooth, leading to its death and the need for removal. It can also infect the jawbone or surrounding tissues, causing pain, swelling and pus discharge. Infected tissues can even enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.

Regular oral hygiene is the best way to avoid gum disease. Using a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, flossing between teeth and using an interdental brush or a tool recommended by your dentist can help remove plaque before it hardens into tartar.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are metal anchors, surgically placed in the jaw bone to which artificial teeth are mounted. The implants fuse to the bone through a process called osseointegration, providing stability and a natural appearance. Implants may replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of the teeth in the mouth.

An initial consultation and evaluation will determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. Your oral surgeon will review your medical history and take X-rays or 3D images of your mouth. They will then create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

At the implant placement appointment, your provider will first give you anesthesia and sedation (if requested). They will open the gums and expose the bone. They will then use a drill and specialized tools to create an opening in the bone that is just large enough for your titanium implant post, place it and close the area. They may also place a healing cap on the implant.